Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Catholic Community Services for Mitigation Site Management Services
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
N/A
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the agreement with Catholic Community Services for Mitigation Site management services.
Report
Issue:
Whether to authorize staff to proceed with contracting with Catholic Community Services for mitigation site staffing.
Staff Contact:
Cary Retlin, Housing Programs Manager, Community Planning & Development, 360.570.3956.
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
In January of 2019 the City of Olympia opened the Mitigation Site at Franklin Street at Olympia Avenue. That site included tent sites for over 100 homeless individuals, many of whom had been scattered at various sites around downtown.
Original Aims of the Mitigation Site:
The City of Olympia created the Mitigation Site last year to improve safety and access to services for unsheltered individuals and couples, and to reduce the impact of scattered encampments to downtown residents and businesses.
Lessons Learned in our First Year:
For the last year we have partnered with Union Gospel Mission to provide 24-hour staffing for the Mitigation Site. We have learned a lot together in that time. The biggest lesson was that people at the Mitigation Site need staff support connected to mainstream social services. Our first contract focused on providing safety and security similar to that of a campground. This contract provides a level of service and connectivity of a shelter focused on connections to housing, substance use treatment, and employment.
Features of this Provider and Contract:
Catholic Community Services has operated supportive housing and shelter at Drexel House in Olympia and contracts with the City of Tacoma to operate the Stability Site in Tacoma.
Connections to City and County Plans:
This contract is designed to improve direct alignment with the Thurston County Homeless Crisis Response Plan and the city’s Homeless Response Plan through:
• Focus on harm reduction and mainstream social service connection.
• More focus on self-governance.
• Data reporting connected to the Homeless Management Information System (consistent with publicly funded shelters).
• Access to our county’s Coordinated Entry system (homeless intake process).
• Housing case management on site funded by Medicaid Foundational Community Supports (we are hoping similar employment services can be added in 2021).
• Ongoing staff training including housing search, trauma informed care, and overdose prevention.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is a high degree of public attention for Olympia’s Mitigation Site and homeless response efforts downtown.
Options:
• Approve the agreement for services for Mitigation Site management.
• Modify the agreement for services for Mitigation Site management.
• Do not approve the agreement for Mitigation Site management.
Financial Impact:
This contract will not exceed $548,000 annually. Funds will be drawn from Home Fund and Utility Tax revenue.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement